Sherry Smith Obituary-Death News; Sherry Smith, Former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Supervalu Inc., Dies
Deere & Company has announced with deep sorrow the passing of Sherry M. Smith, a valued and long-serving member of its Board of Directors. Smith, who joined Deere’s board in 2011, passed away recently.
Her death marks the loss of a respected leader whose financial acumen, strategic insight, and steady guidance helped shape multiple major organizations over the course of a distinguished career.
Smith was best known for her role as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Supervalu Inc., a $35 billion grocery retail giant headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
Over a 25-year tenure with the company, she held numerous leadership roles in finance, including Treasurer, Corporate Controller, and Senior Vice President of Finance, before ascending to the CFO position.
Her leadership was instrumental in guiding Supervalu through several critical periods of growth and change, including major acquisitions and transformative business initiatives that reshaped the company’s operational model and long-term strategy.
In her years of service on the board of Deere & Company, Smith held influential roles on the Corporate Governance and Compensation Committees and most recently served as the board’s Lead Director.
Her colleagues remember her for her thoughtful contributions, unwavering professionalism, and the quiet but powerful way she led through example. Deere & Company praised Smith for her “leadership, wisdom, and kindness,” emphasizing that her presence will be deeply missed.
Beyond Deere, Smith also held board positions at Piper Jaffray Companies and Anywhere Real Estate Inc., where she continued to lend her financial expertise and strategic guidance. She was widely respected across the business world for her sharp mind, integrity, and collaborative spirit.
Smith’s background in finance was grounded in strong academic and professional credentials. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota and was a Certified Public Accountant.
Her career was marked by a deep commitment to excellence, ethical leadership, and an ability to navigate complex financial landscapes with clarity and foresight. Despite her many professional achievements, Smith remained approachable and grounded.
Colleagues and friends describe her as a mentor and advocate for women in leadership, often going out of her way to support the professional growth of others.
Her legacy includes not only the measurable financial improvements and corporate advancements she helped engineer but also the many careers she quietly supported and inspired along the way.
Smith’s passing has left a void in the many organizations and lives she touched. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she was known for her generosity, mentorship, and devotion to her family.
She balanced her career with a strong commitment to community and often volunteered her time and expertise to causes close to her heart. In a statement, Deere & Company expressed their profound sadness, noting:
“Sherry’s contributions over the past decade have left an enduring mark on our company. Her intellect, steady leadership, and kind heart enriched every board meeting and interaction. We are better for having known and worked alongside her.”
As the business community reflects on Sherry Smith’s passing, it is clear that her legacy will endure through the lives she impacted, the companies she helped shape, and the leadership standards she exemplified. Her dedication to thoughtful governance, ethical leadership, and financial excellence serves as an inspiration to professionals across industries.
She is survived by family, friends, and countless colleagues who admired and respected her deeply. Plans for a memorial service are expected to be announced in the coming days.
May she be remembered for her wisdom, integrity, and the generous spirit with which she led and lived.
